Trading places

With the trade deadline less than a week away, it's always interesting to see the names that come up in rumors and speculation. I learned earlier this week that a lot of what you read in papers covering major league teams are more about guessing than it is about reliable information.

That aside, I still find myself biting when there's something about my Yankees. As for the Giants and Defenders, the only name I'm hearing much of is San Francisco pitcher Matt Morris.

There haven't been as many scouts following the Defenders recently, but two teams which have been fairly present at home and away are the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Scouts from other teams have popped up here and there and have spoken with me regarding some of the Defenders.

Two players that came up in conversation most often were Alex Hinshaw and Eugenio Velez.

It wouldn't surprise me if Velez was dealt. Considering the number of outfielders in the Giants' system, the team can reduce the backlog and possibly acquire infielders, which are the greatest need.

With Nate Schierholtz, Dan Ortmeier, Fred Lewis, Brian Horwitz, Clay Timpner, John Bowker and Velez there are plenty of outfielders at the Triple- and Double-A levels.

Figure with the current Giants' OF of Barry Bonds, Dave Roberts and Randy Winn not having many years left (Bonds and Roberts are likely gone after this season), there's a need for players. Lewis likely moves into the lineup with Schierholtz next season.

My guess is that Bowker is the most likely to stick in the bigs out of the remaining cast. Logic, plus the need to move players up in the system, makes it seem likely that an outfielder will be moved either via trade or during the offseason.